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What is ACT and Who Required to Take the ACT?
What is ACT?
The ACT, also known as the American College Testing, is a widely accepted standardized exam utilized for college admissions in the United States. ACT Exam assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The test consists of multiple-choice questions in English, mathematics, reading, and science, with an optional writing section.
Table Of Contents
Table Of Contents
1 Who can take the ACT Exam?
The ACT is typically taken by high school students, usually juniors and seniors, who are planning to apply to colleges or universities for undergraduate programs. While it is widely accepted for college admissions in the U.S., not all colleges require the ACT, and some may accept alternative tests such as the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test). However, many students choose to take the ACT to provide colleges with a comprehensive picture of their academic abilities and to increase their chances of admission to a wide range of institutions. Additionally, some scholarship programs may also require ACT scores for eligibility. Overall, the ACT is an important component of the college application process for many students aiming to pursue higher education in the United States.
2. Components of the ACT exam
The ACT exam consists of four main components:
1. English: This section evaluates students' understanding of standard English conventions, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and usage. It also assesses their rhetorical skills, such as organization, style, and strategy.
2. Mathematics: The mathematics section measures students' mathematical reasoning abilities, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. It tests problem-solving skills and mathematical fluency.
3. Reading: In this section, students are required to read passages and answer questions that assess their comprehension, analysis, and interpretation skills. The passages cover various subjects, including prose fiction, humanities, social studies, and natural sciences.
4. Science: The science section evaluates students' interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills in the context of scientific information. It includes passages related to biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth/space sciences.
Optional Writing: While the writing section is optional, many colleges and universities require or recommend it for admission. In this section, students are given a prompt and asked to develop an essay that presents their perspective on the issue provided. The essay is scored based on the quality of writing, organization, development of ideas, and language use.
3. Exam pattern for the ACT test + syllabus
The ACT exam follows a specific pattern and covers a range of topics. Here's an overview of the exam pattern and syllabus:
|
English Section: |
Format: Multiple-choice questions Number of Questions: 75 questions Time Allotted: 45 minutes Syllabus: Covers grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, usage, and rhetorical skills such as organisation, style, and strategy. |
|
Mathematics Section: |
Format: Multiple-choice questions Number of Questions: 60 questions Time Allotted: 60 minutes Syllabus: Tests algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and problem-solving skills. The subjects covered include pre-algebra, basic algebra, advanced algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry. |
|
Reading Section: |
Format: Multiple-choice questions Number of Questions: 40 questions Time Allotted: 35 minutes Syllabus: Requires comprehension, analysis, and interpretation of passages from various subjects including prose fiction, humanities, social studies, and natural sciences. |
|
Science Section: |
Format: Multiple-choice questions Number of Questions: 40 questions Time Allotted: 35 minutes Syllabus: Evaluates interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills in the context of scientific information. The subjects covered in this course encompass biology, chemistry, physics, as well as Earth/space sciences. |
|
Optional Writing Section: |
Format: Essay writing Time Allotted: 40 minutes (optional) Syllabus: Requires students to write an essay responding to a given prompt. Essays are scored based on the quality of writing, organization, development of ideas, and language use. |
4. How is the ACT score calculated?
The ACT score is calculated based on the number of correct answers a test-taker achieves in each section of the exam. Here's a breakdown of how the ACT score is calculated:
1. Raw Score
For each section of the ACT (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science), test-takers receive a raw score, which is simply the number of questions answered correctly. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so it's beneficial for test-takers to answer every question, even if they're unsure of the correct answer.
2. Scaling
The raw scores are then scaled to a score range of 1 to 36 for each section. The scaling process adjusts for variations in difficulty between different test forms to ensure fairness and consistency across administrations.
3. Composite Score
The composite score is the average of the scaled scores from the four sections (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science), rounded to the nearest whole number. This score also falls within the range of 1 to 36.
4. Optional Writing Score
If a test-taker opts to complete the optional writing section, they will receive an additional writing score ranging from 2 to 12. This score is based on the quality of their essay and how effectively they address the given prompt.
5. Reporting
Test-takers receive individual section scores (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science) as well as a composite score and optional writing score (if applicable). These scores are reported on the ACT score report, which is sent to the test-taker and designated colleges or institutions.
5. Test dates for ACT exam 2024
|
ACT Test Date |
Registration Deadline |
Late Registration Deadline 23-24 |
|
February 2024 |
26 January |
(9 February + late fee) |
|
12-13 April, 2024 |
15 March |
(29 March + late fee) |
|
7-8 June, 2024 |
10 May |
(24 May + late fee) |
|
12-13 July, 2024 |
14 June |
(28 June + late fee) |
6. Eligibility criteria for the ACT exam
The ACT exam doesn't have specific eligibility criteria in the same way that some other standardized tests might. In general, any high school student who wishes to apply to colleges or universities in the United States can take the ACT. Nevertheless, it is crucial to take into account a few significant factors:
- Age: While there isn't a minimum age requirement to take the ACT, it's typically taken by high school juniors and seniors, usually around ages 16 to 18. Younger students may also take the test if they feel prepared.
- Grade Level: The ACT is primarily aimed at high school students, particularly those in their junior and senior years. It's designed to assess their readiness for college-level work.
- Test Preparation: While there's no formal prerequisite for taking the ACT, students should ensure they're adequately prepared for the exam. This might involve studying relevant subjects covered in the test, taking practice exams, and familiarizing themselves with the test format and question types.
- Registration: Students need to register for the ACT in advance of their desired test date. Registration typically involves providing personal information, selecting a test date and location, and paying the associated registration fee.
- Accommodations: Students with disabilities or special needs may be eligible for accommodations during the exam. This might include extra time, breaks, or other accommodations to ensure they can demonstrate their abilities under fair conditions.
7. Fee for the ACT exam
It's recommended to check the official ACT website for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information. Below is detailed fee for ACT Exam:
|
ACT fee component |
Fees |
Details |
|
Complete ACT exam (without optional writing) |
$66 |
This package consists of reports for you, your high school, and a maximum of 4 colleges. (if you provide codes during ACT registration) |
|
Complete ACT exam (with optional writing) |
$91 |
This package consists of reports for you, your high school, and a maximum of 4 colleges. (if you provide codes during ACT registration) |
|
Change in test option |
$25 |
Switching to ACT (without writing) before testing begins |
|
Late registration |
$36 |
Requesting to register or modify test dates beyond the standard registration period. |
|
Standby testing |
$66 |
ACT will reimburse your fees if you are denied entry on the day of the test or if your registration is canceled because you have not provided a photo. |
|
Change in test date |
$42 |
Changing test date |
|
Change in test centre |
$42 |
Changing the test centre |
|
Sending score reports to 5th & 6th college preference |
$18 |
Request online before the test |
|
Additional score reports |
$18 |
Requesting additional score reports online after registration |
|
Test information release |
$32 |
You will incur the charges if you make the request prior to the test. |
|
$40 |
You will incur the charges if you make the request prior to the test. |
|
|
Score verification |
$55 |
For MCQ verification |
|
$55 |
For writing verification |
|
|
$110 |
For MCQ and writing verification |
8. How to register for the ACT exam?
To register for the ACT exam, you can follow these general steps:
1. Create an ACT Web Account:
Visit the official ACT website and create a free account if you haven't already done so. You'll need to provide some basic personal information to set up your account.
2. Select Test Date and Location:
Log in to your ACT account and choose your preferred test date and location. The ACT exam is typically offered multiple times throughout the year at various test centers.
3. Complete Registration Form:
Fill out the registration form with your personal information, including your name, address, high school information, and other relevant details. Double-check to ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date.
4. Choose Test Options:
Decide whether you want to take the ACT with or without the optional writing section. You may also have the option to select additional services, such as ordering score reports for colleges or requesting accommodations for test-taking.
5. Pay Registration Fee:
Pay the registration fee using a credit or debit card. Fee waivers may be available for students who demonstrate financial need, so be sure to check if you qualify and follow the appropriate steps to obtain a fee waiver.
6. Review and Confirm:
Review your registration details carefully to make sure everything is correct. Once you're satisfied, confirm your registration to secure your spot for the chosen test date and location.
7. Print Admission Ticket:
After completing registration, you'll receive an admission ticket containing important information such as your test date, time, and test center location. Be sure to print this ticket and bring it with you on test day, along with acceptable identification.
8. Prepare for the Exam:
Use the time leading up to your test date to prepare for the ACT exam. This may include studying relevant content, taking practice tests, and familiarizing yourself with the test format and question types.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, the ACT exam is a crucial step for high school students seeking admission to colleges and universities in the United States. With its standardised format and comprehensive assessment of academic skills, the ACT helps colleges evaluate students' readiness for higher education. By understanding the exam's components, scoring system, registration process, and fees, students can effectively prepare and navigate the college admissions process.
10. Who are we
Ready to ace the ACT and kickstart your college journey? Join our Career Clinic today to access expert guidance, personalised study abroad plans, and valuable resources to help you succeed on Study Abroad journey. Don't miss out on this opportunity to unlock your full potential and achieve your academic goals. Enroll now and take the first step towards a bright future in 2024-25!
Frequently Asked Questions
During online registration, you'll typically need to provide personal information such as your full name, date of birth, contact details, and academic history. Additionally, you may be required to upload scanned copies of documents like identification (passport or national ID), academic transcripts, certificates, and any other relevant documents specified by the institution.
Yes, you can usually change your ACT test schedule. Log in to your ACT account on the official website and navigate to the "My ACT" page. From there, find the option to change your test date and follow the provided instructions. Keep in mind that there may be deadlines for making changes and additional fees involved depending on when you make the change.
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